South-west women connecting for company

By
RACHAEL HOULIHAN

WOMEN across the south-west are being encouraged to come together for company, conversation and socialisation.

The Company of Women organiser Sarah Parkinson, of Kirkstall, enjoys a cup of tea and a chat with friend Leeanne Donohoe, also of Kirkstall. Picture: ROB GUNSTONE

WOMEN across the south-west are being encouraged to come together for company, conversation and socialisation.

Ladies looking to forget about the nappies and the glitter glue are joining The Company of Women to get together with like-minded women for a cup of tea, a bite to eat or a night out once in awhile.

Kirkstall woman Sarah Parkinson established The Company of Women — a group for females aimed at getting them back to face-to-face communication.

Mrs Parkinson grew up in Camperdown before moving to Melbourne to study.

After spending time overseas she returned to the south-west and married dairy farmer husband James before having two children Rosie, 3, and Angus, 10 months.

Now living in Kirkstall, Mrs Parkinson said The Company of Women had been on her mind for awhile.

“It’s an idea I had,” she said. “I’ve been thinking about it for a couple of years.”

Mrs Parkinson said it is a great opportunity to connect with other women outside Facebook and social media and meet new people.

“So much time is dedicated to your children, you can forget about yourself and lose a bit of your identity,” she said.

Mrs Parkinson is hoping to hold a monthly event, with the first night planned for Friday, June 13. “It will be one night to do something for yourself,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you have kids or not. There is no age limit or restrictions.”

She said there has already been an overwhelming positive response to the initiative with many women expressing interest in the idea.

Any women interested in the details for the first event of the group can email thecompanyofwomen3280@gmail.com or search Facebook for The Company of Women 3280.